Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2 - Lane County
Eugene, OR
About the Job
Mental Health Specialist 1: $26.45 - $35.31 Hourly
Mental Health Specialist 2: $31.39 - $41.95 Hourly
This position is eligible for sign-on compensation of $4,500!
About the Position
Lane County Youth Services division looking for a highly skilled individual to fill the role of a Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2. The Mental Health Specialist will work in collaboration with other mental health professionals, to provide professional level mental health assessment and treatment services to the clients of Youth Services who have mental illnesses or mental disorders.
In addition the Mental Health Specialist will:
- Collaborate in the provision of mental health services to justice-involved clients who may have mental health or substance use disorders.
- Screen and evaluate referred clients to determine whether clients meet criteria for eligibility for program services.
- Perform assessments of referred clients to assess mental health and substance use needs; complete client interviews, obtain social, emotional, criminal and substance abuse histories, assess treatment options, and with supervision, conduct mental status evaluations using approved diagnostic manual.
- Work with clients to establish goals and objectives and determine treatment methods.
- Provide individual and group counseling; guide clients in obtaining insight into their challenges and in changing behavior patterns; work with short- and long-term clients.
- Refer clients to outside agencies for additional social, economic, and medical services as needed; coordinate client service provision.
- Observe clients taking prescribed medications for possible side effects and for effectiveness of medications, and may refer clients to physicians/psychiatrists.
- Maintain detailed, up to date and accurate records of all client evaluations, therapy sessions, consultations, treatment plans, progress notes and other information; prepare summaries and evaluation reports.
- Interview family of client referred for services to obtain psychological histories, present behavior and personal and social factors.
- Participate in client multi-disciplinary teams.
About the Division
The Youth Services Division operates 24/7, has approximately 80 full-time staff, six program units, and is located in three different buildings on the John Serbu Youth Campus in Eugene, Oregon. The division is comprised of the following units:
Administration Services: Division planning and management, data, grants administration, information systems, volunteers and accounting.
Supervision Services: Services for youth on probation including a juvenile drug court and staff assigned to youth with problematic sexual behaviors, victim advocate services, records management and expungements, and support for division-wide work.
Detention Services: 16-bed detention facility serving youth ages 12-19, including youth being held on adult criminal charges, and health services (medical, dental, and mental health) for youth.
Treatment Services (Phoenix): 16-bed behavioral treatment program for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Education & Vocation Services (MLK Education Center): A collaboration between the division and Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). Services provided include alternative school for high-risk, adjudicated, community youth; education for youth in Detention and Phoenix Treatment; horticulture and culinary arts vocational programs; and community service and restitution crews for youth.
Nutrition Services: Is a federally licensed National School Lunch Program. Provides approximately 50,000 meals and snacks per year to youth housed in Detention, Phoenix, and youth in school and on vocational crews at and through the MLK Education Center.
The work of the division is complex and covers multiple, diverse subject matter areas, governed by multiple regulatory bodies and requiring specialized knowledge. The division is deeply focused on cultivating a positive workplace culture and addressing long standing structural and cultural deficits.
Schedule: Schedule varies based on need.
*This is an AFSCME represented position*
Mental Health Specialist 1 Training & Experience:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, counseling, social work or a related field.
One year of some experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients in the provision of behavioral health services is highly desirable.
Mental Health Specialist 2 Training & Experience:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.
Two years of responsible professional mental health experience, including one year of experience specific to the program or area of assignment.
DRIVER’S LICENSE
Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.
Notes:
- This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check.
- Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.
- Please note that as part of the screening process Lane County will verify license and certification status.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.